Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony has named his early pick for MVP.
Carmelo Anthony has become the latest big name to support Luka Doncic’s impressive early march towards the MVP Award.
Luka Doncic is averaging a staggering 38.5 points per game this season, with 40 points or more in each of his last three games.
The Slovenian’s form has led the Lakers to second place in the Western Conference, with a 7-2 overall record.
Speaking to 7PM In Brooklyn, Carmelo Anthony picked out Doncic when he was asked to name his choice for MVP.
He responded: “I would have to go with Luka at this point. If you get a healthy Luka, an in shape Luka, a focused Luka, giving effort on the defensive end Luka, committing to that part of it, that is a different Luka right there.
“If that is sustainable we’re talking about the West a lot differently.
“His level of play and focus and determination, you can see it in his bounce, he is driving, switching hands, getting and ones and yelling. That’s a different Luka right there.”
Doncic has also earned praise for his defensive play this season, an area where he has been heavily criticized in the past.
MVP race wide open
For the last two seasons, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the MVP. But his task with the Oklahoma City Thunder is far tougher this season.
The Thunder have lost Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to long-term injuries. SGA showed he has still got what it takes, with two 40+ performances in back-to-back wins over the Cavaliers.
His season average is 30.1, a dip on his previous two seasons. OKC’s record is 6-2 for the season so far.
The other factor in play is voter fatigue. Doncic’s offensive explosion is more eye-catching and more exciting, and the story of him winning his first MVP Award the year after LeBron James left the Lakers is an engaging narrative.
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